After the death of dozens of freshwater dolphins in the Brazilian Amazon, a rescue operation has begun for the remaining animals. Emergency services tried to capture and examine animals living in Lake Tefé, television channel TV Globo reported on Wednesday.
In addition, carcasses of dead dolphins were recovered and autopsies were performed to determine the cause of death. Amazon river dolphins are the largest river dolphins. They grow to about 2 to 2.5 meters in height and reach a weight of 85 to 185 kilograms.
Recently, 120 dead freshwater dolphins were discovered in the lake, equivalent to about five percent of the region’s population. “This is a very worrying and serious situation,” said scientist Miriam Marmontel of the Mamirauá Institute.
The exact cause of death is still unclear. However, the researchers assume that it is related to the current heat and drought in the region. “The average water temperature in Lake Tefé is 32 degrees – but recently we measured 40 degrees even at a depth of three meters,” says Marmontel.
The Amazon region is currently experiencing high temperatures and severe drought. Many rivers in the region transport significantly less water than the average of previous years. The normal dry season is currently enhanced by El Niño. The weather phenomenon, which occurs every few years, causes more drought and heat in the north of Brazil, among other places.
“What is happening to the dolphins is a warning that the Amazon region needs to be urgently protected and the fight against climate change needs to be stepped up,” said a statement from the environmental protection organization WWF. “Disasters like this could be repeated elsewhere as the region faces increasingly unfavorable conditions. As indicators of ecosystem health, river dolphins will continue to provide a warning of the delicate environmental situation.” (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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